- Preheat Griddle or Pan:
- Preheat a griddle or non-stick pan over medium heat. If needed, lightly grease the surface with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk (or milk), egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract if using.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps.
- Rest the Batter:
- Let the batter rest for a few minutes. This allows the baking powder to activate, giving your pancakes a fluffier texture.
- Pour Batter onto Griddle:
- Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake. If you prefer larger pancakes, you can use more batter.
- Cook Until Bubbles Form:
- Cook until you see bubbles forming on the surface of the pancake and the edges look set.
- Flip:
- Carefully flip the pancake with a spatula and cook the other side until it’s golden brown.
- Repeat:
- Repeat the process with the remaining batter.
- Serve:
- Once cooked, stack the pancakes on a plate and serve.
- Optional Toppings:
- Top the pancakes with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, fresh fruit, yogurt, or whipped cream.
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding ingredients like blueberries, chocolate chips, or nuts to the batter for extra flavor. Enjoy your homemade classic pancakes!